Total distance for this trip is 220 miles from Independence to Olancha.

Trail Rating:

Mozourka Canyon is rated moderate

Steele Pass is rated easy/moderate

Saline Valley is rated easy

Details:

Day 1: Meet in Independence at the Inyo County Sheriff’s parking lot fueled and ready to go at 11:00 AM. We will have a driver’s briefing and depart promptly at 11:30 AM. Today’s route will be along Mozourka Mountain Road and ending in the Harkless area we will be camping. Reservations are not required. This is a primitive campsite. Our contingency campsite in the Papoosa Flats area. Today’s sights/stops include Mozourka Peak, Papoosa Flats, various mines and the Narrows. Total distance for the day is 54 miles.

Day 2: Break camp at 8:00 AM. Today’s route will take is into Death Valley, over Steele Pass and ending at the Saline Valley Warm Springs where we will be camping. Reservations are not required. This is a primitive campsite, though there are pit toilets. This is an active hot spring, though the water is not potable. Today’s sights/stops include Last Chance Crater, Eureka Dunes, Dedeckera Canyon, and Saline Valley Warm Springs. Total distance for the day is 81 miles

Day 3: Break camp at 9:00 AM and leave Saline Valley to Hwy 190 and I-395. Total distance to Olancha is 85 miles.